A total of 24 outstanding students from various universities participated in the event, presenting digital solutions while demonstrating their competencies in technology, product design, and business development.

This year’s IndonesiaNEXT program began with the participation of 8,916 students. Putera’s achievement represents a significant accomplishment and demonstrates the capabilities of USU students in digital technology, particularly in areas related to cybersecurity and technology development.

Remarkably, Putera’s achievement extended beyond the individual award. The team involved in developing the Scenaria product also won the Best Team award.

These two awards demonstrate that the individual capabilities and collaborative skills of USU students can compete at the national level in talent development and technology innovation programs.

Putera’s Best Hacker award recognizes his skills and competencies, while the Best Team award earned with the Scenaria team highlights their successful collaboration in developing a technology-based product.

This achievement is also a source of pride for Fasilkom-TI USU. Amid the rapid advancement of digital technology, it demonstrates that students are not only expected to master theoretical knowledge in the classroom, but also to apply their knowledge, develop innovative solutions, and compete at the national level.

The success of Putera and the Scenaria team at the 10th IndonesiaNEXT is expected to inspire other USU students to continue developing their competencies, gaining broader experience, and actively participating in various technology competitions.

The achievement also adds to Fasilkom-TI USU’s positive track record in nurturing young talents who are competent, innovative, and ready to contribute to the development of Indonesia’s digital technology ecosystem.

Director of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations of USU, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Purwoko, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU, made the statement on Wednesday (September 9). He said that the awards demonstrated Putera’s competence and capabilities in technology, particularly in cybersecurity and digital technology development. The achievement also places a USU student among the young talents capable of demonstrating their abilities in national-level technology competitions.

He added that Putera’s achievement was not limited to individual success. Together with the team involved in developing Scenaria, he also won the Best Team award. This accomplishment demonstrates the team’s ability to collaborate in developing technology-based innovations and solutions.

Winning two awards, Best Hacker and Best Team, is a significant achievement for USU, particularly Fasilkom-TI. It reflects the students’ enthusiasm for developing their competencies, creativity, and innovative capabilities in information technology.

The achievements of Putera and the Scenaria team are also expected to encourage other Fasilkom-TI USU students to continue honing their skills and confidently compete in various technology competitions.

This accomplishment further reinforces the role of students as an important driving force in nurturing digital talent and technological innovation within the university environment.

The meeting was opened by Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Cooperation of USU, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T. In his remarks, he expressed his appreciation for the GKNU delegation’s visit and emphasized the importance of strengthening academic relations between Indonesia and South Korea through university collaboration.

“Relations between Indonesia and Korea are very good. We want to continue promoting greater cooperation in the future, particularly in education, research, and innovation development,” said Prof. Himsar.

Photo: Amri Simatupang

Meanwhile, Director of the Directorate of Cooperation and Internationalization of USU, Prof. Dr. dr. Dewi Masyithah Darlan, DAP&E, MPH, Sp.ParK, explained that GKNU’s visit marked an important opportunity to expand USU’s international academic network. Such cooperation is part of efforts to support the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education.

“Gyeongkuk National University’s visit to USU aims to establish cooperation in the Tridharma of Higher Education. The programs being offered include summer courses, joint degree, double degree, joint research, joint publication, visiting professor, top scientist webinars, and various other academic programs,” explained Prof. Dewi.

She added that there are significant opportunities for collaboration between the two universities, as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had previously been established. However, several administrative matters still need to be finalized before the collaboration can be implemented.

During the meeting, the GKNU delegation also expressed its commitment to strengthening academic relations with USU through various activities, including student exchanges, joint research, and international scientific publications.

The Ora Iso Team consists of M. Ghozi Muzakki from the Food Technology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture (FP), Aisyah Tsani from the Chemistry Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), and Ronny from the Faculty of Public Health (FKM), who serves as the team leader. In developing their work, the team was supervised by Dr. Erna Mutiara, M.Kes.

The team developed SIP-PETANI 5.0, an agricultural system that integrates technology to help farmers address climate change while improving the efficiency of land management. The innovation was developed in response to challenges still faced by smallholder farmers, particularly their limited access to and adoption of digital technologies that can support agricultural activities.

Bringing Technology Closer to Farmers

According to M. Ghozi Muzakki, one of the issues that attracted the team’s attention was the limited use of digital technology among smallholder farmers. This situation has become increasingly complex due to climate change, which has resulted in unpredictable weather, drought, and pest threats that can affect agricultural productivity.

Through SIP-PETANI 5.0, the team seeks to introduce an agricultural system that integrates technology from upstream to downstream. The system consists of AgroSense as an IoT-based field sensor, AgriTrack for recording farming activities and harvest yields, and TaniTalk AI Chatbot, which is connected through WhatsApp.

AgroSense is designed to monitor soil and weather conditions in real time, allowing irrigation and fertilization to be carried out based on actual field conditions. Meanwhile, TaniTalk helps farmers obtain information and early warnings regarding weather conditions and crop-related problems. Farmers can also send photos of plant leaves to receive guidance on crop conditions. Data on farming activities and harvest yields can then be recorded through AgriTrack.

Ghozi explained that the integration of these technologies is designed to transform farming practices from being reactive to becoming more preventive. By monitoring field conditions and providing early warnings, farmers can take action before risks such as drought, pest attacks, and crop failure become more severe.

“This innovation changes farming practices from being reactive to preventive. Amid the threat of El Niño or extreme drought, the system provides early warnings. Its precision irrigation system can save up to 30 percent of water, prevent root rot, and reduce the risk of crop failure. Therefore, this is a tangible step toward environmentally friendly Climate-Smart Agriculture,” said Ghozi.

Echoing this view, Aisyah Tsani explained that SIP-PETANI 5.0 was designed to help farmers adapt to climate change through the use of integrated technology. In addition to improving water-use efficiency and monitoring field conditions, the system enables farmers to receive information more quickly when facing extreme weather or pest threats.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Differences in academic backgrounds did not become an obstacle for the Ora Iso Team in developing its concept. Instead, the diversity of disciplines allowed each member to contribute a different perspective to the development of SIP-PETANI 5.0.

Ghozi focuses on agronomic aspects, water-use efficiency, and commodity quality from upstream to downstream. Aisyah focuses on soil chemistry, technical methodologies, IoT sensors, and the analysis of fertilization and irrigation. Ronny develops the social and economic aspects of farmers, community empowerment, policy, and SDG-based sustainability.

The process was not always easy. Differences in perspectives across disciplines at times required lengthy discussions to reach common ground. However, these differences ultimately helped the team develop a more comprehensive understanding of agricultural challenges.

Going Beyond an Idea

The Ora Iso Team hopes that SIP-PETANI 5.0 will not remain merely a scientific work developed for a competition, but can be further developed and implemented in communities. One of the team’s development plans is to adopt a communal ownership model through farmer groups or Village Unit Cooperatives (KUD), so that the use of the technology does not become a burden for individual farmers.

The team also identified several aspects that still need to be developed, including expanding the AI system’s support for regional languages, strengthening sensors to withstand extreme weather conditions, developing market price prediction features, and sourcing locally produced components to make the technology more affordable for smallholder farmers.

Ghozi hopes that the innovation will provide broader benefits to society, particularly farmers. According to him, the success of an innovation should not be measured solely by the sophistication of the technology it employs, but also by the extent to which the idea can be implemented and deliver tangible impact.

“A good idea is not simply the most sophisticated innovation, but an idea that can ‘live’ and create a broad impact on the welfare of our farmers,” said Ghozi.

The Ora Iso Team’s achievement as 2nd Place in the PIMPI IPB 2026 Scientific Writing Competition demonstrates how collaboration among students from diverse academic disciplines can generate ideas that respond to real-world challenges. This accomplishment is expected to encourage USU students to continue developing innovations that are not only competitive in scientific forums but also capable of delivering meaningful benefits to society.

In his remarks, USU Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., stated that the program is expected to contribute to the advancement of dental science while strengthening international collaboration.

“We hope this program can contribute to the advancement of dental science, strengthen international collaboration, and improve the health and well-being of the community,” he said.

Muhammad Andriansyah

Dekan FKG USU, Dr. drg. Gema Nazri Yanti, M.Kes., explained that FKG USU had prepared the program for approximately two months. This year’s International Summer Course also marks the fourth year that FKG USU has served as the organizer, with the program conducted through both online and offline sessions.

“This is the fourth year that FKG USU has organized the Summer Course. We have been preparing it for approximately two months, and the program consists of both online and offline activities,” she explained.

Drg. Gema added that the offline sessions provide students with an opportunity to meet participants from various countries and universities in person, particularly from across Asia.

“This week’s activities are being held offline, which means that students can meet their peers directly from various countries and universities around the world, particularly in Asia,” she added.

Chair of the 2026 International Summer Course Committee, Drg. Darmayanti Siregar, M.K.M., explained that the program focuses on the topics of natural resources and digital technology, which are among the areas of interest at FKG USU. These topics are also closely related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

“The International Summer Course also involves collaboration around topics that are of concern to FKG USU, namely natural resources and digital technology. These are also reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Good Health and Well-being. Therefore, the program supports both the initiatives of the university and those of FKG USU.”

The 2026 International Summer Course is being held from September 7 to 11, 2026. Through this program, FKG USU hopes that students will broaden their knowledge, build international networks, and gain valuable experience through academic and cultural exchange.

The CollaCel Team consists of Khairyah Hutagalung (230305051), Nayla Alfina (230305063), and Dea Novita Fitrianti (230305084), under the supervision of Dr. Ridwansyah, STP., M.Si.

Competing under the theme “Innovating Integrated Agriculture for Climate-Resilient Future,” the CollaCel Team presented a project entitled “COLLASHIELD: Smart Active Packaging Based on Fish Collagen and Corn Nanocellulose to Reduce Tomato Food Loss” under the subthemes Food Security and Climate Adaptation.

COLLASHIELD is an innovative smart active packaging solution that utilizes fish collagen, corn nanocellulose, and lime peel extract. The innovation was developed to help inhibit microbial activity, reduce water loss and weight loss, and extend the shelf life of tomatoes.

In addition to providing a solution for reducing food loss, the innovation utilizes fishery and agricultural waste as value-added raw materials. This approach also supports more sustainable agriculture and food systems through the optimal utilization of resources.

PIMPI 2026 was organized by the Forum for Scientific Studies (Forces) of IPB University as a platform for students to develop ideas and innovations addressing challenges in agriculture, food security, and climate change. The event culminated in presentations and an expo on September 5, followed by a seminar and awarding ceremony on September 6, 2026.

The CollaCel Team’s achievement demonstrates the commitment of students from the Faculty of Agriculture at USU to developing creativity, competence, and innovation through education and scientific competitions. This achievement aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

During the activity, USU Vice Rector for Planning, Infrastructure, and Business, Dr. Muhammad Anggia Muchtar, S.T., MM.IT., who attended the activity online, stated that the accreditation process is an important step in ensuring the continuous improvement of healthcare services at the Prof. dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Teaching Hospital of USU.

He explained that teaching hospitals play a strategic role not only in providing healthcare services to the community but also as centers for education and the development of professional healthcare personnel.

According to him, improving hospital quality requires support across various aspects, ranging from facilities and infrastructure to management systems capable of supporting safe, effective, and high-quality healthcare services.

“Universitas Sumatera Utara remains committed to supporting the development of the hospital through the strengthening of facilities, infrastructure, and governance systems so that it can provide the best possible healthcare services to the community,” he said.

Dr. Muhammad Anggia Muchtar also emphasized that the Prof. dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Teaching Hospital of USU plays an important role in supporting the university’s vision, particularly in producing outstanding healthcare professionals and making tangible contributions to improving the quality of public health.

Meanwhile, President Director of the Prof. dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Teaching Hospital of USU, dr. Inke Nadia Diniyanti Lubis, FAAET, PGdip PID, M.Ked(Ped), Sp.A, Ph.D., stated that as a government hospital, the institution bears a significant responsibility to provide the best possible healthcare services to the community.

She explained that the accreditation survey serves as an important opportunity to evaluate and strengthen the hospital’s service systems to ensure that they operate safely, professionally, and with a patient-centered approach.

“As a government hospital, we recognize that patient care is of utmost importance. Therefore, improving service quality and patient safety remains our primary commitment in providing the best possible services to the community,” she said.

Dr. Inke also explained that since beginning operations in 2016, the Prof. dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Teaching Hospital of USU has continued to develop its healthcare services with the support of professional medical and healthcare personnel.

According to her, continuous efforts to improve quality are being undertaken so that the hospital can fulfill its role as both a healthcare institution and a teaching hospital that supports education and human resource development in the healthcare sector.

The accreditation survey is part of the Prof. dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Teaching Hospital of USU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen service standards and ensure that all systems operate in accordance with the principles of quality and patient safety.

This achievement places USU among the Indonesian universities with strong international research collaboration networks. In the list published by Dataloka based on QS WUR 2027 data, USU ranks below Universitas Airlangga, Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Universitas Padjadjaran.

Notably, USU’s achievement in the International Research Network indicator is higher than that of several other prominent universities, including Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), IPB University, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), and Universitas Brawijaya. ITB ranks sixth with a score of 32.7, while USU records a score of 37.6.

International Research Collaboration Continues to Strengthen

The International Research Network is one of the indicators used by QS to assess the diversity and sustainability of a university’s research collaboration network with institutions in other countries or regions. USU’s performance in this indicator therefore reflects the increasingly strong connections between its research activities and academic communities and research institutions at the international level.

In the QS WUR 2027 methodology, International Research Network is part of the Global Engagement category and carries a weight of 5 percent of the overall ranking score. In addition to IRN, the Global Engagement category includes the proportions of international faculty and international students.

USU’s fifth-place national ranking becomes even more significant when considered alongside its overall QS WUR 2027 ranking. USU is placed in the 1,001–1,200 range globally, yet ranks fifth nationally specifically for the International Research Network indicator. This demonstrates that USU’s strength in international research collaboration is an important asset in strengthening the university’s global competitiveness.

Consistently Strengthening Global Competitiveness

USU’s achievement in QS WUR 2027 continues the university’s positive trend in global rankings. In QS WUR 2026, USU climbed 200 places, moving from the 1,201+ range to the 1,001–1,200 range globally. At the time, USU’s aggregate score increased from 7.3 to 13.8, representing growth of approximately 89 percent compared with the previous year.

This improvement was supported by strengthened performance across various indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, sustainability, and international research networks. The achievement demonstrates that improving research quality and expanding international collaboration are important components of USU’s journey toward becoming an increasingly competitive university at the global level.

Overall, QS WUR 2027 uses a number of indicators covering Research and Discovery, Employability and Outcomes, Global Engagement, Learning Experience, and Sustainability. International Research Network itself carries a weight of 5 percent in the overall assessment.

For USU, this achievement serves as further encouragement to continue expanding its academic and research networks with universities and research institutions in countries around the world. Strengthening international collaboration is expected not only to improve USU’s position in global rankings, but also to produce research that is increasingly high-quality, relevant, and impactful for society.

With its fifth-place national ranking for the International Research Network in QS WUR 2027, USU demonstrates that North Sumatra is home to a university with an increasingly recognized capacity for international research collaboration, both nationally and globally.

During the public lecture, students were invited to explore the relationship between the development of knowledge and Islamic values through the study of Islamic history and civilization. The materials presented also provided students with an opportunity to learn more about the development of Islam in Indonesia and the importance of studying history through research.

In her remarks, Vice Rector I for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni Relations of USU, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., emphasized that the rapid advancement of science and technology needs to be accompanied by values, ethics, and wisdom. She also highlighted the continued relevance of the Islamic scholarly tradition in addressing contemporary developments.

“Knowledge should not merely produce technological advances and innovation; it must also go hand in hand with values, ethics, and wisdom,” she explained.

Dekan FIB USU, Mhd. Pujiono, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., stated that students should not only focus on learning but also begin developing their research skills. He encouraged students to advance their academic studies, particularly those related to Islamic history in Indonesia, through research and learning.

“As students who genuinely love Islamic history, you should conduct thorough research,” he explained.

He expressed his hope that students would not stop after completing their undergraduate education but would continue to develop themselves through further education and research. According to him, students have opportunities to contribute as educators and researchers while producing valuable studies that contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

In his remarks, Dean of FISIP USU, Dr. Hatta Ridho, S.Sos., MSP., emphasized that Indonesia possesses abundant natural resources. Therefore, he said, the younger generation needs to develop creative thinking to manage and utilize these resources for the benefit of society and the nation.

“Our country is rich, but we are not yet rich in creativity when it comes to managing that wealth. Therefore, I hope that through this program, all of you can explore ideas about what it means for our country to be sovereign,” he said.

The Dean of FISIP further emphasized the importance of instilling nationalism and a strong sense of patriotism among the younger generation. According to him, love for the country is not demonstrated merely through symbols, but also through an understanding of Indonesia’s wealth and potential, as well as a responsibility to preserve and utilize them.

“Every young person should have a sense of nationalism and love for the country. Loving our country is not merely about symbols; it is also about understanding that our nation is rich in natural resources, energy, and fertile land. Therefore, we have a responsibility to protect and utilize these resources,” he explained.

Head of Inalum’s Communication Management Department, Utrich Farzah, explained that MediaMIND is a program designed to encourage students, journalists, and the general public to rekindle their enthusiasm for journalism. Through the program, participants are also encouraged to produce articles that introduce the various contributions of the industry to the wider community.

“We want to invite students, journalists, and the general public to become more active in rekindling the spirit of journalism,” she explained.

Furthermore, she explained the downstreaming process carried out by Inalum, beginning with bauxite being processed into alumina, which is then processed into aluminum and ultimately into various products used by the public. According to her, this process can serve as material for students to develop articles and introduce Inalum’s contributions to the wider community.

“From bauxite to alumina, from alumina to aluminum, and from aluminum to end products. The process may sound brief, but it is not that simple. It is a very interesting process to explore. We hope that students can later translate this process into articles and written works that tell the story of what we are doing for our country,” she explained.

The event is expected to provide students with an opportunity to develop their writing skills and journalistic creativity, while also encouraging them to learn more about Indonesia’s natural resource potential and share their knowledge with the public through journalistic works.

The program served as a platform for exchanging academic knowledge and experiences in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. In addition to bringing together academics and researchers from both institutions, KEP 2026 was also designed to strengthen academic ties between USU and UKM and create opportunities for collaboration in research, publications, academic mobility, and student exchange.

Dean of FMIPA USU, Prof. Dr. Miswar Budi Mulya, also delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. Representing FST UKM, remarks were delivered by Deputy Dean for Industry and Community Engagement, FST UKM, Prof. Ts. ChM. Dr. Rizafizah Othaman.

During the morning session, the program featured a public lecture by Associate Professor Dr. Khairiah Haji Badri, followed by a series of lectures delivered by invited speakers. The afternoon session featured Dr. Nik Norhazrina Nik Mohd Kamil as the keynote speaker, followed by parallel lecture sessions in four fields: biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Beyond serving as a platform for knowledge sharing, the program also resulted in concrete steps to strengthen cooperation between the two universities. Following the completion of the program, USU and UKM signed an Implementation Arrangement as a follow-up to their established cooperation.

Through KEP 2026, academics and researchers from USU and UKM had the opportunity to present their research findings, exchange ideas, and discuss potential future collaborations. The involvement of four academic disciplines also created opportunities for the development of interdisciplinary research and the expansion of academic networks between the two universities.

The program was initiated by Prof. Dr. Mohamad Deraman and Dr. Fatin Saiha Omar, who served as the KEP 2026 program leads. The initiative is expected to further expand academic collaboration between USU and UKM and promote sustainable cooperation in education, research, and the advancement of knowledge.